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CITY OF TOWNSEND COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES On August 21st, 2007 |
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Attend: Attending the meeting were: Mayor Shannon Skidmore, Commissioners Ron Palewski, Charles Tippitt, Mark Chipperfield, David Wietlisbach, Police chief Ron Suttles, Recorder Gwen Jordan, Fire Chief Don Stallions, Iva butler and several community residents. Pledge: Mayor Skidmore opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ord.#213-07-1C: Mayor Skidmore read the Ordinance Title for the second reading. Commissioner Palewski made a motion to approve the second reading and Commissioner Chipperfield seconded. Motion carried with all yea votes. Minutes: The Commission reviewed the minutes from the July meeting. Commissioner Wietlisbach made a motion to approve them as written and Commissioner Tippitt seconded. Motion carried with 5 yea votes. Finance reports: Recorder Jordan reviewed the monthly report and the budget analysis with the Commission. Commissioner Palewski made a motion to approve the reports as prepared and Commissioner Chipperfield seconded. Motion carried with 5 yea votes. Police: Chief Suttles reported that Officer Allen Latham is no longer with the City of Townsend as he has accepted a Police Position with the City of Maryville. Ron stated to the Commission that he had requested permission to hire a full time Police person, and said he feels one is necessary now as night time break- ins have been occurring. He added that the only salary difference from Allen's would be the benefits and the person he has in mind would be starting around $28,000.00 and he is certified. Fire chief Don Stallions added that another officer at night time would be a big help to the Fire department. Mayor Skidmore stated there should be no overlap of Police persons. Chief Suttles explained to the Commission how the Sheriff department covers Townsend when a large situation occurs, and Ron added that he tries to schedule the police persons so that every 5th weekend they have a long weekend off of four days. Commissioner Palewski made a motion to hire a full time Police person and Commissioner Tippitt seconded. Motion carried with all 5 yea votes. Chief Suttles explained that it's possible he can obtain a good used car, ( that presently is in legal hands), for an added police cruiser due to a family death. He explained it was white, a 2005 Grand Marque in good condition and probably can be purchased for about $14, 000.00 dollars, which includes equipping the car with camera, lights and equipment. Commissioner Palewski made a motion to purchase the car and Commissioner Chipperfield seconded. Motion carried with 5 yea votes. Maintenance: Ron reported that they are still trying to get the backhoe fixed. The problem is with a cylinder. He stated that all other equipment is in good shape. He added that the trail lights are acting up and it's probably a censor as they are coming on and going off. Commissioner Palewski stated he would contact Greg Milsaps. Mayor Skidmore also told Ron Suttles that he's had complaints about the graffiti on the tunnel walls under the highway and one light is out. Fire Department: Chief Stallions reported he had no written report but that his men have been busy on small fires. Mayor Skidmore expressed a desire to pay the balance of the resident fees in monthly amounts and the Fire chief agreed. Amount paid to date is $12,000.00, and the balance of $8,000.00 dollars will be divided amongst the ten remaining months. Recreation: Commissioner Tippitt stated that commissioner Wietlisbach is working on the Christmas Parade. Commission Tippitt also stated that ETDD office will assist in writing up a grant to the State for TDOT enhancements of right of way grant monies that are available. The Townsend Garden Club will be involved and will be paying the 20% match money for the grant. Commissioner Tippitt made a motion for the City to support the grant request and to work with the Townsend Garden Club. Commissioner Wietlisbach seconded the motion. Motion carried with 5 yea votes. Recorder: Mayor Skidmore explained to the Commission that Gwen, the City Recorder had submitted her resignation as fulltime Recorder effective 1/31/08, and to continue as part time, effective 2/1/08 to continue training a replacement person until training is no longer required. Also, effective 9/1/07, Gwen will leave the City's medical plan, costing $470.00 per month, and move to the Cariten retired system plan, costing $170.00 dollars. The City will realize a $300.00 dollar savings each month. Mayor Skidmore made a motion for the City to pay the $170.00 per month until Gwen leaves the position and Commissioner Palewski seconded. Motion carried with 5 yea votes. Commissioner Wietlisbach then made a motion to accept Gwen's resignation and Commissioner Tippitt seconded. Motion carried with 5 yea votes. There being no further business the meeting promptly adjourned. Respectfully submitted by; Gwen Jordan, Recorder City of Townsend |
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